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Biomedical subjects

R Josse

Publications and source records attributed to R Josse.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1996

[Seroprevalence of cysticercosis in the lacustrian community of Vekky, Atlantic district (Benin)].

Cysticercosis is a parasitic disease due to the infection of man with Cysticercus cellulose, the larva of Taenia solium. This disease is frequent in countries with low socio-economic development and is linked to sanitary conditions. The aim is to assess the seroprevalence of cysticercosis in the lacustrine vicinity of Vekky, located on the lake Nokoué, District Atlantic, south Benin, an epidemiological survey was undertaken in April and May 1994. The lacustrian vicinity of Vekky comprises 12 villages including 16, 142 inhabitants. Population has been sampled using cluster sampling method (n = 30) at two levels (village and household). The whole samples consisted in 319 adults (123 females and 196 males, mean of ages: 32.8 +/- 18.3). Titration of cysticercosis antibodies has been made using ELISA. Eleven patients (3 females and 8 males) showed a positive ELISA response for cysticercosis, i.e. the seroprevalence of cysticercosis was 3.5% (CI 95%:1.3-8%). There was no significant difference according to age and sex. The seroprevalence of cysticercosis reached 9.1% in patients who presented history of epilepsy. We failed to find any linkage between seropositivity and i) clinical history of epilepsy or taeniasis, or ii) several studied environmental factors such as consumption of pork, wandering of pigs, lack of veterinary supervision, religion and occupation. Human seroprevalence of cysticercosis reaches 3.5% in vicinity of Vekky, which denotes a high endemic level. Further epidemiological studies are necessary to precise the factors involving cysticercosis in this area.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

[Tuberculosis in the Federal Islamic Republic of Comores in 1995].

Tuberculosis is still a major health concern in the Federal Islamic Republic of the Comoros. An effective nationally organized program has been set up to fight against the disease. It is based on bacteriologic screening (105 new cases of BK+ disease since 1995) and quadruple chemotherapy in patients identified (2RZHE 4RH) with in-hospital starter treatment for 2 months and supervised outpatient treatment for 4 months. Patients are followed up monthly. Because of these measures and given the fact that access to health care is excellent (small island nation), compliance has been over 90% for several years and the overall rate of cure was around 92% in 1995. From an epidemiologic standpoint the endemic status of tuberculosis in the Comoros has been stable with an overall incidence of about 25 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in the last 5 years. Extrapulmonary forms and relapses are uncommon (5.4% and 6.2% respectively in 1995). The incidence of positive HIV1 serology in the general population of the Comoros is low and has not been a complicating factor since no seropositive BK+ patient has been identified since the beginning of systematic surveillance in 1988.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

[Intra-family transmission of human T-cell lymphotropic virus-1 (HTLV-1) in a cohort of HTLV-1-positive patients (Bénin)].

We are reporting the results of a familial study carried out in Benin in March 1994 within a cohort of HTLV-1 positive subjects. This study aims at appraising the different modes of intra-familial transmission of this retrovirus. The study has included 212 persons: 33 seropositive subjects (identified during two previous seroprevalence surveys and followed up since 1991), and 179 members of their families. Blood specimens have been taken from each of these subjects. Sera have been screened for HTLV-1 antibodies by ELISA test and positive results confirmed by Western blot test. Out of 18 children born during the follow up period, 2 cases of seroconversion have been observed. One case of seroconversion has also been noted among the 17 couples in which either of the spouses is seropositive. Among the 136 children of the cohort: 17.8% of them are HTLV-1 positive when both parents are seropositive 26.1% if the mother only is seropositive and 0% if the father only is seropositive. The incidence rate in this cohort is estimated to be 0.43%. These data relative to the intra-familial transmission of HTLV-1 in Benin appear to be consistent with those previously reported in Japan.

Benin↗
PubMed1995

[Mycobacterium ulcerans cutaneous infections: Buruli ulcers].

Mycobacterium ulcerans skin infection or Buruli ulcers are common in children in many rural tropical areas. The usual clinical appearance is a deep, rapidly developing chronic ulcer associated with necrosis of subcutaneous fat. Patients are usually seen at an advanced stage. Bacteriologic identification is not always possible because the pathogen, Mycobacterium ulcerans, is an atypical mycobacteria that is difficult to isolate and grows slowly in culture. Medium although of little assistance in tropical regions, the histological features are highly characteristic and can allow diagnosis in areas in which the disease is rare and unsuspected. The pathogenic effects of Mycobacterium ulcerans are due to the production of a necrotizing exotoxin with an immunosuppressive action. Treatment using antituberculosis and antileprosy drugs has been disappointing. Surgery is usually required and causes extensive sequels in many cases, the best technique being an excision/graft procedure. Many epidemiologic characteristics of Buruli ulcers which are andemic in regions with and aquatic ecosystem are still unclear including the mode of infection, transmission and reservoir. Recent outbreaks, particularly in west Africa, may be related to changes in the natural environment.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Demographic factors associated with HTLV-1 infection in a Gabonese community.

An epidemiological study of human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) and syphilis has been carried out in a multiethnic community of seven neighbouring villages located in eastern Gabon on 1240 subjects over 5 years old (82.7% of the population in this age range). Antibodies to HTLV-1 (anti-HTLV-1) were detected by ELISA with confirmation by Western Blot and antibodies to syphilis by Venereal Diseases Research Laboratory assay with confirmation by the Treponema pallidum haemaglutination assay. The prevalence rate of anti-HTLV-1 was 8.5% and increased from 3.7% in the 5-14 years age group to 23.8% in the over 60 years age group. Logistic regression showed that the positivity for anti-HTLV-1 was associated with age, ethnic group and sex (higher prevalence in females). The seroprevalence rate of syphilis was 8.2%. Seropositivity for syphilis and HTLV-1 were related but age was a confounding variable in this relationship. This study showing a highly heterogeneous distribution of HTLV-1 in a geographically limited area suggests the role of environmental and behavioural factors in HTLV-1 transmission.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

[Buruli's ulcer, a pathology little known in Benin. Apropos of 227 cases].

Cutaneous Mycobacterium infection is an endemic disease in Mono, Ouémé and Zou districts in the south of Benin, where it seems rarely known. The authors are reporting the results of a clinical, bacteriological, epidemiological and therapeutical study about 227 patients. Children are the principal targets of this disease. Ulceration are often seen in a critical step (3 or 4) and acid-fast bacilli have been found from 189 of 227 patients tested by bacilloscopy (smear microscopy). Medical treatments (antituberculosis and antileprosis drugs) are still disappointing. Also when necessary, surgery is done (broad excision, skin transplant afterwards) with promising results. However, complications like deformities and flexion contractors can persist after surgical treatment. In the south Benin, Buruli's ulcers are one of the major public health problems.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

[Antibiotic sensitivity of gram negative bacilli isolated from urinary tract infections at NUHC of Cotonou (Benin) from March to December 1992].

Eleven antibiotics were tested against 1,194 Gram negative bacilli isolated from urinary tract infections at the National University Hospital Center at Cotonou. Among the betalactams tested, only cefotaxime remained active against most of the bacteria tested: 90% of the strains of Escherichia coli and 75% of the strains of Enterobacter cloacae were sensitive. Ampicilline, on the other hand, had lost its activity even on strains which are usually the most susceptible. Thirteen percent of the E. coli strains were sensitive. This reduction in antibiotic activity against bacterial strains in Cotonou, which concerned to various degrees the tetracyclines, chloramphenicol, cotrimoxazole, is less pronounced for the amino-sides (gentamicine and netilmicine), and the quinolones of which nalidixique acid was active against 83.9% of the strains of E. coli. The low frequency of isolation of wild type strains (sensitive to betalactams) is probably the consequence of strong selection pressure due to a massive, and uncontrolled use of antibiotics in Cotonou.

Aminoglycosides↗
PubMed1994

[Trends in the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Benin (1990-1993].

Since 1990 within the framework of a National Program against AIDS, surveillance in the Republic of Benin has relied on disease-control centers established in 20 selected locations. Seropositivity for HIV is always established by Western-blotting and diagnosis of AIDS is based on BANGUI/WHO clinical criteria and positive serologic tests. On June 30, 1993, the cumulative number of AIDS cases reported to the WHO was 12/100000 inhabitants of Benin. The sex-ratio was 2 to 1 and 77.4% of cases occurred in the 20 to 49 year age range. Heterosexual transmission accounted for 75.8% of cases and mother-to-child transmission for 6.4%. Overall the cumulative number of AIDS cases doubled each year from 1990 to 1992. The prevalence of HIV antibodies in target groups has been steady: less than 1% of blood donors and urban or rural women undergoing prenatal examinations. The prevalence of HIV antibodies has risen significantly every year among patients with tuberculosis and people consulting for sexually transmitted diseases. These findings corroborate the notion that the incidence of positive serologic tests for HIV is low in Benin: less than 1% of the adult population.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

[Seroprevalence of treponematosis among pregnant women in Cotonou (Benin)].

A study of frequency of treponematosis among pregnant women in Mother Hood of Zogbo (Cotonou) shows 5.1 +/- 2.8% of positivity with risk of 5% by TPHA and VDRL. The low level of endemicity, associated with the absence of cutaneous lesions of treponematosis in Cotonou may correspond to a syphilis infection. This study points out the necessity to strengthen the struggle against the all other sexually transmitted diseases (MST) in the same way that the HIV infection in Benin.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

[Initial resistance to streptomycin, isoniazid, rifampicin and ethambutol in bacillus-laden tuberculosis patients at the National Center of Pneumo-physiology at Cotonou (Benin)].

The authors are reporting results from a study about BK sensitivity among principal antituberculosis drugs in Benin Republic: 81.5% of them are susceptible for all specific antibiotics, 8.5% are offering resistance to INH and Streptomycin together. In this preliminary study no primitive resistance for RMP has been found.

Benin↗
PubMed1991

Seroepidemiology of human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I/II in Benin (West Africa).

In 1988-1989, a national survey was conducted in Benin to determine the distribution of HTLV-I infection in a representative sample of adult individuals. This study comprised 2625 healthy subjects recruited in the six provinces of Benin and 1300 blood donors from Cotonou and from the other five provinces. Sera were screened for HTLV-I antibody by both immunofluorescence (IF) and enzyme immunoassay (EIA). Sera positive or doubtful by at least one technique were further analyzed by Western blot and radioimmunoprecipitation assay (RIPA) when indeterminate. Samples were considered as positive if they reacted with two gene products. No blood donor was positive. Over the 2625 subjects, 39 (1.5%) were positive. We observed a statistical difference between male and female (1%, 2%, p less than 0.05). A difference was also observed according to the areas studied: the HTLV-I antibody rate increased from coastal (0.3%) to northern (5.4%) provinces. HTLV-I seroprevalence increased significantly with age. This survey shows that HTLV-I infection exists in Benin but varies according to regions.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

[Enlarged program of vaccination and community participation in Benin].

The lack of financial resources to make function health services and non implication of community in the management of the system is one of the major constraints to the improvement of health african populations. Within the EPI and to sustain its results, community financing has been implemented in order to focus on the resolution of the health problems of mother and child. The present analysis of the results of community financing in 166 health centers confirms the hope placed on this system which is one aspect of community participation. The cost recovery level of peripheral health services remains globally satisfactory. A better immunization coverage is noticed in the centers that benefit from this system compared to the others.

Benin↗
PubMed1991

[A survey of the prevalence of leprosy in 5 countries in central Africa].

The authors report the results of national surveys conducted in 5 Central Africa states: Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea and RCA. The method used was cluster sampling among random populations. Only adults (greater than 15 years of age) took part in the study. The prevalence rates were between 6 and 14 per thousand. They are markedly higher than the official data.

Adolescent↗